as in excellent
of the very best kind
a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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Recent Examples of first-string
Sarkisian said the former four-star recruit from the suburbs of Mobile, Ala., is working with the first-string offense in practice and appears to be the front-runner for Manning’s top backup spot ahead of Morris, a collegiate journeyman who spent last season at Coastal Carolina.
—
Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it.
—CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025
Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it.
—CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025
Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
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His excellent size-speed combination, and aggressive downhill style creates disruption and turnover chances.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Another excellent option for sandy soil that Sing recommends is Russian sage (Salvia yangii).—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The last three years, however, have further solidified the Northeast as a prime talent exporter and a rich creative hub.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
-
While the other males in the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve’s Kea group spend lots of time squabbling and making threat displays, Bruce is free to wander the aviary and monopolize feeding stations and prime perches, the study reports.—
Elizabeth Anne Brown,
Scientific American,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
What was true in the Jazz Age remains so, as the Roundabout Theatre Company production starring the terrific Rose Byrne and Kelli O’Hara, opening tonight, so bountifully proves.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
19 Apr. 2026
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Maple and soy are terrific flavor partners for salmon, masking any slightly fishy flavor that turns off some eaters.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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His final line was stellar, with two hits and one walk allowed over eight shutout innings with four strikeouts.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Amazon’s stellar lineup of fashion deals doesn’t stop with these matching lounge sets.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Together, these two superb artists make much of Yarris constantly seeking the light, as Yarris searches for a way forward from the blackness of death row.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
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Together, these two superb artists make much of Yarris constantly seeking the light, as Yarris searches for a way forward from the blackness of Death Row.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Counsell thought Suzuki’s at-bats looked good from the onset of Tuesday’s game and felt the swings in his first at-bat were a great sign.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
-
What’s the greatest celebrity notes app apology of all time?—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
It’s been wonderful over the five generations.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Bringing it back to America is wonderful.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Expect a lovely weather day with a blend of sunshine and clouds.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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On my two-week-plus sail, the dinnertime quality varied despite lovely presentations.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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